Do I need a website?

I have a furniture refinishing business that keeps me busy as part time work. I do very little advertising as most of my work is obtained by word of mouth from folks who have seen my work done for their friends. I have kicked around the idea of starting a website to increase my business. I have never done anything like that and wondered if it would be worth the time that I would have to invest. Would I be better off to advertise locally? Any thoughts would be appreciated! Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Steven Deaton on February 11, 2009 at 3:43pm

Beth,

Here are my thoughts.

A web site is so inexpensive to set up you cannot afford not to have one.

You can get hosting for around $8 or less per month. You can buy your domain name for around $10 (for a year). Many hosting companies offer templates you can use to plug in your information, pictures, etc.

I would guess, just a guess here, that the word-of-mouth referrals would double or triple if people could see more of your work and get acquainted with you via the web. A friend might have had a chair redone, but they are wondering how you might do on a bigger project, say a dresser.

A well done, clean, crisp web site can only help your business. If you do not want to tackle the job, there are several folks here on 48Days.net that will do a simple site at a reasonable cost. Or, you can use a service like elance.com.

You might even post some simple how-to videos on furniture care, minor touch up stuff for people to see for free. This would help them feel you are giving, not just getting.

Again, just my thoughts.

Steven

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Permalink Reply by Justin Lukasavige on February 12, 2009 at 5:43am

Yes, everyone needs a website. There is one exception however. If you're not going to do it right, don't do it at all. Before visiting just about anyone I'll check out their website. If I can't find one, that immediately puts thoughts in my head. If I find one and it's poorly done, that reflects even worse on the business.

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Permalink Reply by Beth Beckerman on February 12, 2009 at 5:55am

Steven Deaton said:

Beth,

Here are my thoughts.

A web site is so inexpensive to set up you cannot afford not to have one.

You can get hosting for around $8 or less per month. You can buy your domain name for around $10 (for a year). Many hosting companies offer templates you can use to plug in your information, pictures, etc.

I would guess, just a guess here, that the word-of-mouth referrals would double or triple if people could see more of your work and get acquainted with you via the web. A friend might have had a chair redone, but they are wondering how you might do on a bigger project, say a dresser.

A well done, clean, crisp web site can only help your business. If you do not want to tackle the job, there are several folks here on 48Days.net that will do a simple site at a reasonable cost. Or, you can use a service like elance.com.

You might even post some simple how-to videos on furniture care, minor touch up stuff for people to see for free. This would help them feel you are giving, not just getting.

Again, just my thoughts.

Steven

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Permalink Reply by Beth Beckerman on February 12, 2009 at 5:55am

Steven Deaton said:

Beth,

Here are my thoughts.

A web site is so inexpensive to set up you cannot afford not to have one.

You can get hosting for around $8 or less per month. You can buy your domain name for around $10 (for a year). Many hosting companies offer templates you can use to plug in your information, pictures, etc.

I would guess, just a guess here, that the word-of-mouth referrals would double or triple if people could see more of your work and get acquainted with you via the web. A friend might have had a chair redone, but they are wondering how you might do on a bigger project, say a dresser.

A well done, clean, crisp web site can only help your business. If you do not want to tackle the job, there are several folks here on 48Days.net that will do a simple site at a reasonable cost. Or, you can use a service like elance.com.

You might even post some simple how-to videos on furniture care, minor touch up stuff for people to see for free. This would help them feel you are giving, not just getting.

Again, just my thoughts.

Steven

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Permalink Reply by Beth Beckerman on February 12, 2009 at 5:59am

Steven,
Thanks for the input. I have many before and after pictures I could add. I also like the idea of giving tips, etc. so they feel like they can come away with some information just for visiting the site. Thanks again.
Beth

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Permalink Reply by Beth Beckerman on February 12, 2009 at 6:03am

Justin,
Thanks for the reply. I agree that doing it poorly is worse than not doing it at all. I will put my efforts in that direction.
Beth

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Permalink Reply by Christopher Alan on February 21, 2009 at 10:40am

Yes. Get a web site. Use it as an online portfolio. Show before and after pics. I agree with everyone else below.

Good luck!

Christopher Alan

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Permalink Reply by Audrey McLaughlin on February 24, 2009 at 6:48pm

I think everyone even the smalles service business needs a website. They can be created professionally for as little as $300-500 bucks. Maybe even less in some cases,make sure you find a web design company that specializes in small businesses--they often charge less for a great product. Steven is absolutely correct that you cannot afford not to have one. I also check a companies website before visiting them, I find it very frustrating when I can't find a business on the web. Good Luck to ya!